When Do Children Need Professional Help?Many children exposed to violence can resolve their feelings and concerns with the help of their family and community. However, there are instances when professional help is needed. Consider seeking professional help in the following situations:

The child is vulnerable because of other stressful events or losses they have experienced.

The child was related to or is a close friend of the victim.

Parents are highly upset and less able to respond to the child’s needs.

A child is physically hurting him/herself or others.

A child’s parent has been the victim of violence.

A child’s problems have gone on for 3–4 months with no improvement.

A child shows five or more of the behaviors listed in the Symptoms section of this website.

If you are a parent worried about your child, remember that you know your child best. Don’t hesitate to consult a professional. If you are worried about a child you know well, remember that you play a very important role!

Where Can You Seek Professional Help?There are a number of institutions and agencies that provide help. Typically, all offer a specific set of services. For examples, courts provide services around legal matters. Below is a partial list of helping agencies:

Schools

Courts

Mental Health Providers

Religious Institutions

Shelters for Battered Women

Police Departments

District Attorney’s Office

Who Can You Contact for Help or a Referral?Talk to someone who knows your child well. He or she may be able to provide counseling or a referral. Consider contacting the following professionals:

Health Care Providers - The Child's Pediatrician Pediatricians are committed to keeping their patients’ bodies and minds healthy. They can help parents to understand their child’s symptoms and behaviors, address medical and emotional concerns, and offer appropriate referrals. Many providers have a list of counselors, advocates or other resources to help children and families. They can also help the parent navigate the managed care system.

School Counselors and AdministratorsSchool counselors are trained to recognize problems that may affect a child’s developmental growth and learning. Administrators include school principals, department heads, and head teachers. They may refer the family to experts in the field of children exposed to violence as well as set up teaching, learning, and counseling programs that take into account the educational needs of children exposed to violence.

TeachersMost teachers see children everyday of the week. Children learn best when teachers can collaborate with parents and other service providers. Since their goal is to help children be successful in school, they can make classroom adjustments that help stressed children learn the material with which they are presented. They often are aware of local services that are available and can tell you how to access them.

Clergy and the religious communityOf course, clergy look out for our spiritual well being. They can help us keep our faith in the face of difficult times and that faith can serve as an important resource when we are worried about our children. Sometimes faith communities join hands in an attempt to end violence. For example, a model interfaith nonprofit organization, Safe Havens, exists in Boston. Their goal is to create a network of congregations that are better equipped to respond to family violence.

Mental Health ProvidersMental health providers include social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors, psychiatric nurses, and marriage and family therapists. They help adults and children cope with the emotional experience of being exposed to violence.

PoliceThe job of police is to keep people safe. Not only can they be helpful in relation to a crime but those departments with community policing programs are also very well informed about community resources. Some even have their own youth programs.

Domestic Violence AdvocatesDomestic Violence Advocates can be found in health centers and hospitals, mental health centers, courts, and battered women shelters. They are extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of domestic violence and can help navigate victims through many complex systems such as the courts. Many can assist victims of domestic violence help their children through direct service and referrals.